Systems and Methods for Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures FO Systems

ABSTRACT

One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number of bone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. A connecting element inserter instrument is engageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. As the inserter instrument is moved along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchors, a leading end of the connecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis and the connecting element is positioned at a location adjacent the number of bone anchors in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.

BACKGROUND

Various devices and methods for stabilizing bone structures have beenused for many years. For example, the fracture of an elongated bone,such as a femur or humerus, can be stabilized by securing a plate to thefractured bone across the fracture. The plate extends across thefractured area and thus stabilizes the fractured components of the bonesrelative to one another in a desired position. When the fracture heals,the plate can be removed or left in place, depending on the type ofplate that is used.

Another type of stabilization technique uses one or more elongated rodsextending between components of a bony structure and secured to the bonystructure to stabilize the components relative to one another. Thecomponents of the bony structure are exposed and one or more boneengaging fasteners are placed into each component. The elongated rod isthen secured to the bone engaging fasteners in order to stabilize thecomponents of the bony structure.

One problem associated with the above described stabilization structuresis that the skin and tissue surrounding the surgical site must be cut,removed, and/or repositioned in order for the surgeon to access thelocation where the stabilization device is to be installed. Thisrepositioning of tissue causes trauma, damage, and scarring to thetissue. There are also risks that the tissue will become infected andthat a long recovery time will be required after surgery for the tissueto heal.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are particularly desirable in,for example, spinal and neurosurgical applications because of the needfor access to locations deep within the body and the presence of vitalintervening tissues. The development of percutaneous minimally invasivespinal procedures has yielded a major improvement in reducing recoverytime and post-operative pain because they require minimal, if any,muscle dissection and can be performed under local anesthesia. Thesebenefits of minimally invasive techniques have also found application insurgeries for other locations in the body where it is desirable tominimize tissue disruption and trauma. However, there remains a need forfurther improvements in instruments, systems and methods for stabilizingbony structures using minimally invasive techniques.

SUMMARY

One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to asystem for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bonesor bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimallyinvasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number ofbone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and anumber of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. Aconnecting element inserter instrument is engageable with one of theanchor extenders and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchorextender. In response to movement of the inserter instrument along thelongitudinal axis toward the bone anchors, a leading end of theconnecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis and theconnecting element is positioned at a location adjacent the number ofbone anchors. However, in other embodiments, different forms andapplications are envisioned.

For example, another embodiment of the subject application is directedto a system for minimally invasive surgery that includes at least onebone anchor including a distal bone engaging portion and a proximalreceiving portion. The system also includes at least one anchor extenderextending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end portion and adistal end portion configured to releasably engage with the at least onebone anchor. The at least one anchor extender also includes a proximallyfacing bearing surface. An inserter instrument including a connectingelement engaging member is engageable with the at least one anchorextender and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the at least oneanchor extender from the proximal end portion toward the distal endportion. A portion of the inserter instrument contacts the bearingsurface as the inserter instrument is distally moved along thelongitudinal axis of the at least one anchor extender and an orientationof the connecting element engaging member relative to the longitudinalaxis changes in response to the portion of the inserter instrumentcontacting the bearing surface.

In yet another embodiment, a system for minimally invasive surgeryincludes a first bone anchor and a second bone anchor. Each of the firstand second bone anchors includes a distal bone engaging portion and aproximal receiving portion. The system also includes a first anchorextender extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal endportion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes afirst pair of engaging members positioned opposite of a second pair ofengaging members, and the first and second pairs of engaging members areconfigured to releasably engage with the first bone anchor. A secondanchor extender extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal endportion and a distal end portion that is configured to releasably engagewith the second bone anchor. An inserter instrument is engageable withthe first anchor extender and movable along the longitudinal axis of thefirst anchor extender from the proximal end portion toward the distalend portion to position a connecting element toward the proximalreceiving portions of the first and second bone anchors. The systemfurther includes a reduction instrument including a housing memberreleasably engageable with the proximal end portion of the second anchorextender. The reduction instrument also includes an elongated shaftaxially displaceable relative to the housing member and the secondanchor extender. As the inserter instrument is distally moved along thelongitudinal axis of the first anchor extender, a leading end of theconnecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis of thefirst anchor extender.

In another embodiment, an anchor extender includes an elongated bodyextending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Afirst pair of engaging members is pivotably coupled with the elongatedbody adjacent the distal end portion. The first pair of engaging membersis movable between a first configuration for receiving and releasing afirst portion of a bone anchor and a second configuration for engagingthe first portion of the bone anchor. The anchor extender also includesa second pair of engaging members pivotably coupled with the elongatedbody adjacent the distal end portion and opposite of the first pair ofengaging members. The second pair of engaging members is movable betweena first configuration for receiving and releasing a second portion ofthe bone anchor and a second configuration for engaging the secondportion of the bone anchor. The anchor extender also includes a lockingmechanism that is axially displaceable relative to the elongated body.In addition, the locking mechanism is configured to lock the first andsecond pairs of engaging members in the second configuration.

Another embodiment of the present application is a unique system forminimally invasive surgery in a patient. Other embodiments includeunique methods, systems, devices, kits, assemblies, equipment, and/orapparatus involving minimally invasive surgical systems and techniques.

Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, objects andadvantages of the present application shall become apparent from thedetailed description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a system for positioning a connectingelement in a patient in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of an anchor extender of thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-5 are alternative side plan views of the anchor extender of FIG.2.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the anchor extender of FIG. 2 illustratingengaging members of the anchor extender in an open configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elongated body of the anchor extenderof FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an end of the elongated body illustrated inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded, partial assembly view of the anchor extender ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a section view along view line 10-10 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, perspective view of a retaining member of theanchor extender of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, plan view of a distal portion of the anchorextender of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an alternative plan view of the distal portion illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the anchor extender of FIG. 2 engagedwith a bone anchor and including a platform member coupled therewith.

FIG. 15 is a section view of an inserter instrument of the system ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 16-20 illustrate various steps of a minimally invasive surgicalprocedure for inserting a connecting element with the system illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment platform membersuitable for use in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment platform memberof FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the alternative embodiment platformmember of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment inserterinstrument suitable for use in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a section view of the alternative embodiment inserterinstrument of FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 a is an enlarged, section view of a distal portion of thealternative embodiment inserter instrument of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal portion of thealternative embodiment inserter instrument of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a connecting element.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a reduction instrument usable in thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is an alternative perspective view of the reduction instrumentof FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged, section view of a proximal portion of thereduction instrument of FIG. 28.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated devices and described methods, and anysuch further applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The subject application is generally directed to systems for positioninga connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, suchas the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach.The systems generally include a number of bone anchors engageable to theone or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extendersremovably engaged to the bone anchors. A connecting element inserterinstrument is engageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movablealong a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. In response tomovement of the inserter instrument along the longitudinal axis towardthe bone anchors, a leading end of the connecting element is rotatedaway from the longitudinal axis and the connecting element is positionedat a location adjacent the number of bone anchors. In one aspect of thisarrangement, the inserter instrument engages with the anchor extendersuch that the connecting element is introduced to the location adjacentthe number of bone anchors through the same incision through tissue andmuscle in which the anchor extender is positioned. In addition,applications in non-minimally invasive surgeries are also contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a minimally invasive surgicalsystem 10 that is positioned relative to a portion of the spinal columnincluding adjacent vertebrae V₁, V₂ and a disc D positionedtherebetween. It should be appreciated that use of system 10 inconnection with more than two adjacent vertebrae or even at otheranatomical locations besides the spinal column are also contemplated.System 10 includes two anchor extenders 20, 22 releasably mountable torespective ones of anchors 30 a, 30 b, a connecting element 36, aclamping member 266 engaged with anchor extenders 20, 22, and aninserter instrument 230. In other non-illustrated forms, system 10 mayinclude one or more anchors and/or anchor extenders in addition toanchors 30 a, 30 b and anchor extenders 20, 22. Anchors 30 a, 30 binclude proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b configured to receiveconnecting element 36 and a distal bone engaging portion 34 a, 34 b. Inthe illustrated embodiment, bone engaging portions 34 a, 34 b are bonescrews with a threaded shank to engage the bony structure of theunderlying vertebrae V₁, V₂. Proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b arereceivers having a pair of opposing arms defining a longitudinalpassage. The arms further define a proximally/distally extending openingthat opens at a proximal end of the arms to receive a set screw (notshown) to secure connecting element 36 in the passage. Bone engagingportions 34 a, 34 b can be pivotally received in proximal receivingportions 32 a, 32 b through the distal openings thereof, and structuredto interact therewith to provide anchors 30 a, 30 b with multi-axialcapabilities that permit either a selected number of positions orinfinitely numbered of positions of bone engaging portions 34 a, 34 brelative to proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b.

Other forms for anchors 30 a, 30 b are contemplated, including uni-axialand uni-planar forms. The bone engaging portion can also be in the formof a spike, staple, hook, fusion device, cannulated screw, fenestratedscrew, interbody device, intrabody device, clamp, plate, suture anchor,bolt, pin or other bone engaging member. The receiving portion can be inthe form of a saddle, yoke, eye-bolt or through-hole, side openingmember, bottom opening member, top-opening member, eyelet, or any otherstructure engageable to connecting element 36.

In the illustrated embodiment, connecting element 36 is a rigid rodcurved along an arc between its ends. However, it is contemplated thatconnecting element 36 can have a curvature that varies or is compoundedalong its length, or could be linear. In addition, in other forms it iscontemplated that connecting element 36 can include any configurationknown for a rod, implant, or fastener, so long as connecting element 36is insertable using inserter instrument 230 in order to stabilizeadjacent vertebrae V₁, V₂. Further, it is contemplated that connectingelement 36 can be non-rigid, elastic and/or super-elastic and in theform of a cable, band, wire, or artificial ligament that is used intethering, guiding, or other surgical procedures.

In the illustrated form of system 10, anchor extender 22 is configuredthe same as anchor extender 20. However, in other forms, it iscontemplated that anchor extender 22 could be configured differentlythan anchor extender 20 so long as it facilitates engagement withclamping member 266 and introduction of connecting element 36 adjacentto anchors 30 a, 30 b. Non-limiting examples of alternativeconfigurations for anchor extender 22 may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,530,929, 7,497,869 and 7,520,879 and in U.S. Patent Publication Nos.2005/0171540 and 2008/0319477, just to provide a few possibilities.Furthermore, it is also contemplated that anchor extender 20 could beprovided with a configuration different from that illustrated anddescribed herein so long as it facilitates engagement with the inserterinstruments described herein and introduction of connecting element 36adjacent to anchors 30 a, 30 b.

Anchor extender 20 extends along a longitudinal axis L between aproximal end portion 24 a and a distal end portion 24 b configured toreleasably engage with anchor 30 a. Similarly, anchor extender 22 alsoextends between a proximal end portion 26 a and a distal end portion 26b configured to releasably engage with anchor 30 b. Further detailsregarding anchor extender 20 are described below in connection withFIGS. 2-13. As indicated above, anchor extender 22 is configured thesame as anchor extender 20 in the illustrated form of system 10.Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the details provided belowwith respect to anchor extender 20 are also applicable to theillustrated form of anchor extender 22.

Anchor extender 20 generally includes an elongated body 40, a first pairof engaging members 166, 168, a second pair of engaging members 170, 172positioned opposite of the first pair of engaging members 166, 168, alocking mechanism 82, and a retaining element 150. As illustrated inFIG. 7, where the first and second pairs of engaging members 166, 168and 170, 172, locking mechanism 82 and retaining element 150 have beenremoved to enhance clarity, elongated body 40 extends between a proximalend 42 and a distal end 44. Elongated body 40 also includes a mountingsurface 46 positioned adjacent to distal end 44. A first projection 48and a second projection 50 extend from mounting surface 46 and areconfigured to engage with corresponding apertures 178, 192 in the firstpair of engaging members 166, 168. Portions 52, 54 of elongated body 40extend distally above a portion of mounting surface 46 and areconfigured to lie over a portion of engaging members 166, 168 in orderto retain engaging members 166, 168 on elongated body 40 as best seen inFIG. 5 for example. In other forms, it is contemplated that engagingmembers 166, 168 could be coupled with elongated body 40 by a threadedinterconnection with first and second projections 48, 50, although othervariations for coupling engaging members 166, 168 to elongated body 40are contemplated.

Engaging members 166, 168 are pivotably rotatable relative to elongatedbody 40 about first and second projections 48, 50 between a firstcondition or position illustrated in FIG. 6 and a second condition orposition illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 9 for example. In the firstcondition, engaging members 166, 168 are generally configured to permita first one of the pair of opposing arms of receiving portion 32 a ofanchor 30 a to be loaded between or ejected from engaging members 166,168. In the second condition, the first one of the pair of opposing armsof receiving portion 32 a of anchor 30 a is securely positioned betweenengaging members 166, 168. Further details regarding engaging members166, 168 will be provided below in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13. Inaddition, while not previously discussed, it should be appreciated thatengaging members 170, 172 are engaged with and mounted on elongated body40 in the same manner in which engaging members 166, 168 are engagedwith and mounted on elongated body 40. Accordingly, engaging members170, 172 are also pivotably rotatable relative to elongated body 40between a first position or condition where a second one of the pair ofopposing arms of receiving portion 32 a of anchor 30 a can be loadedbetween or ejected from engaging members 170, 172 and a second positionor condition where the second one of the pair of opposing arms ofreceiving portion 32 a of anchor 30 a is securely positioned betweenengaging members 170, 172.

Elongated body 40 also includes an enlarged portion 56 positioneddistally of proximal end 42. A groove 57 is formed along one side ofenlarged portion 56 and is configured to receive and house retainingelement 150 and a portion of a cap member 84 of locking mechanism 82.Enlarged portion 56 includes a pair of oppositely positioned cylindricalprojections 58, 60 that are configured to engage with correspondingrecesses in anchor extender 22 and clamping member 266. In alternativeconfigurations, it is also contemplated that one or both of projections58, 60 can be replaced by a cylindrical recess configured to engage witha corresponding projection in anchor extender 22 and/or clamping member266. In addition, it should be appreciated that projections 58, 60 mayalso be non-cylindrically shaped. For example, it is contemplated thatprojections 58, 60 could be provided with a square, rectangular, or ovalshape, just to name a few possibilities. Clamping member 266 isgenerally configured to engage with proximal end portions 24 a, 26 a ofanchor extenders 20, 22 in order to clamp proximal end portions 24 a, 26a of anchor extenders 20, 22 together during insertion of connectingelement 36. In one form, clamping member 266 may be provided with aconfiguration that corresponds to a conventional C-clamp. However, inanother form, it is contemplated that clamping member 266 may beconfigured similar to the clamping portion of the inserter disclosed inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0049931, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Still, it should beappreciated that alternative configurations for clamping member 266 arealso contemplated.

Elongated body 40 also includes a pair of leg members 62, 64 that extenddistally from enlarged portion 56 and on which engaging members 166, 168and 170, 172 are respectively mounted. Elongated body 40 generallyincludes a hollow interior 66 that extends between proximal end 42 anddistal end 44. Oppositely positioned elongated slots 68, 70 arepositioned between legs members 62, 64 and communicate with hollowinterior 66. As best seen in FIG. 5, elongated slot 68 extends along thelength of anchor extender 20 and opens proximally at proximal endportion 24 a and distally at distal end portion 24 b. Similarly, asillustrated in the end view of FIG. 8, elongated body 40 includes aU-shaped configuration in a plane traverse to the longitudinal axis L ofanchor extender 20. In contrast to elongated slot 68, elongated slot 70opens distally at distal end portion 24 b, extends proximally towardproximal end portion 24 a, and terminates at a position located distallyof proximal end portion 24 a. Elongated slots 68, 70 and hollow interior66 generally cooperate to provide a passage for connecting element 36 toextend through anchor extender 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Opposite of leg members 62, 64, a post member 72 extends proximally fromenlarged portion 56 of elongated body 40. Post member 72 includes a pairof opposing grooves 74, 76 and is configured to receive a portion oflocking mechanism 82. In addition, elongated body 40 also includes apair of oppositely positioned elongated grooves 78, 80 that areconfigured to receive portions of locking mechanism 82, and that extendalong leg members 62, 64 from enlarged portion 56 to locations adjacentengaging members 166, 168 and 170, 172. More particularly, lockingmechanism 82 includes a cap member 84 and a pair of elongated lockingmembers 86, 88 that are positioned in respective ones of elongatedgrooves 78, 80 and configured to interact and engage with engagingmembers 166, 168 and 170, 172, respectively. Further details regardingthe interaction and engagement of elongated locking members 86, 88 withengaging members 166, 168 and 170, 172 are provided below in connectionwith FIGS. 12 and 13.

Elongated locking member 86 extends between a proximal end 90 and adistal end 92 and includes a notch 94 positioned adjacent to proximalend 90 and between increased thickness portions 93, 95. Elongatedlocking member 86 also includes a raised surface portion 96 positionedbetween proximal end 90 and distal end 92. As shown in FIG. 9 forexample where a partial assembly view of anchor extender 20 isillustrated, raised surface portion 96 includes a tapered portion 98that terminates at a point 100. A reduced thickness portion 102 extendsdistally from raised surface portion 96 and includes a notched portion104 positioned between enlarged portions 106 and 108. Elongated lockingmember 86 also includes a pair of tabs 110, 112 extending distally fromenlarged portion 108. Elongated locking member 88 extends between aproximal end 114 and a distal end 116 and includes a notch 118positioned adjacent to proximal end 114 and between increased thicknessportions 117, 119. Elongated locking member 88 also includes a raisedsurface portion 120 positioned between proximal end 114 and distal end116. As shown in FIG. 4 for example, raised surface portion 120 includesa tapered portion 122 that terminates at a point 124. A reducedthickness portion 126 extends distally from raised surface portion 120and includes a notched portion 128 positioned between enlarged portions130 and 132. Elongated locking member 88 also includes a pair of tabs134, 136 extending distally from enlarged portion 132.

Cap member 84 of locking mechanism 82 includes a distally extending stem138 that includes a lateral facing notch 140 and a laterally facingprojection 142. Cap member 84 also includes a passage 144 extendingtherethrough. Passage 144 communicates with a pair of opposing windows146, 148 extending through side surfaces of cap member 84. In addition,passage 144 is also sized and configured to facilitate positioning ofcap member 84 over post member 72 of elongated body 40.

As indicated above, anchor extender 20 also includes a retaining element150 which is shown in an enlarged, perspective view in FIG. 11.Retaining element 150 includes a user engagement portion 152 positionedopposite of a laterally extending lip 154. An elongated slot 156 ispositioned adjacent to lip 154 and is configured to receive laterallyfacing projection 142 of cap member 84. Retaining element 150 alsoincludes a recess 158 and a passage 160 positioned between userengagement portion 152 and lip 154.

With particular reference to FIG. 9, the remaining assembly of anchorextender 20 may be performed by positioning proximal ends 90, 114 ofelongate locking members 86, 88 in cap member 84 such that increasedthickness portions 93, 117 are positioned in windows 146, 148,respectively. Locking mechanism 82 may then be engaged with elongatedbody 40 by positioning elongated locking members 86, 88 in elongatedgrooves 78, 80 and distally advancing them toward engaging members 166,168 and 170, 172 until post member 72 is positioned in passage 144 ofcap member 84 and cap member 84 is adjacent to enlarged portion 56. Whencap member 84 is positioned over post member 72, stem 138 is positionedin groove 57 of elongated body 40 and retaining element 150 can then bepositioned over stem 138 in groove 57. A biasing element 162 is receivedin recess 158 and positioned between retaining element 150 and elongatedbody 40, and a retaining pin 164 is positioned through a passage 55 inenlarged portion 56 and passage 160 in order to couple retaining element150 with elongated body 40. In this configuration, as best seen in thesection view of FIG. 10, lip 154 of retaining element 150 is biasedtoward elongated body 40 such that it engages notch 140 on stem 138 whencap member 84 is positioned against enlarged portion 56 in order to lockthe relative positioning of locking mechanism 82 and prevent proximalmovement of the same. When cap member 84 is positioned against enlargedportion 56, elongated locking members 86, 88 engage with engagingmembers 166, 168 and 170, 172, respectively, and prevent their rotationrelative to elongated body 40 such that release of anchor 30 a fromanchor extender 20 is prevented. As indicated above, further detailsregarding the relationship between locking members 86, 88 and engagingmembers 166, 168 and 170, 172 will be provided below in connection withFIGS. 12 and 13. In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated thatthe engagement between lip 154 of retaining element 150 and notch 140 ofcap member 84 prevents proximal movement of locking mechanism 82, aswell as the release of anchor 30 a from anchor extender 20.

When release of anchor 30 a from anchor extender 20 is desired, userengagement portion 152 of retaining element 150 can be depressed torelease lip 154 from notch 140 and allow proximal movement of lockingmechanism 82. Similarly, as locking mechanism 82 is moved proximally tothe position illustrated in FIG. 6 for example, engaging members 166,168 and 170, 172 are able to pivot relative to elongated body 40 suchthat anchor extender 20 can be released from anchor 30 a. Moreover, whenretaining element 150 is coupled with elongated body 40, projection 142extending laterally from stem 138 of cap member 84 is positioned inelongated slot 156. In this arrangement, when projection 142 comes intocontact with the end of elongated slot 156 adjacent to lip 154,additional proximal movement of locking mechanism 82 is prevented.Similarly, it should be appreciated that the relationship betweenprojection 142 and elongated slot 156 prevents removal of lockingmechanism 82 from elongated body 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, further details of engaging members166, 168 are shown in opposite side plan views. It should be appreciatedthat various features of anchor extender 20 have been omitted from FIGS.12 and 13 in order to enhance clarity. In addition, it should also beappreciated that the description of features associated with engagingmembers 166, 168 is also applicable to engaging members 170, 172.Engaging member 166 extends between a proximal end 174 and a distal end176 and includes an aperture 178 configured to be positioned over secondprojection 50 positioned on mounting surface 46 such that engagingmember 166 is pivotable about second projection 50. Engaging member 168extends between a proximal end 188 and a distal end 190 and includes anaperture 192 configured to be positioned over first projection 48positioned on mounting surface 46 such that engaging member 168 ispivotable about first projection 48. Engaging members 166 and 168cooperate to define a receptacle 202 configured to receive a portion ofone arm of the pair of opposing arms of proximal receiving portion 32 aof anchor 30 a. Moreover, engaging members 166 and 168 each include aprojection 182, 196, respectively, that extends into receptacle 202 andis configured to engage with a corresponding recess (not shown) formedin the arm of the proximal receiving portion 32 a of anchor 30 a. Abiasing element 206 is positioned between engaging members 166, 168adjacent to proximal ends 174, 188 and forces proximal ends 174, 188away from one another such that distal ends 176, 190 are normallypositioned adjacent one another in the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13.

Engaging members 166, 168 also cooperate to define a channel 204 whichreceives elongated locking member 86. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,locking member 86 is positioned in engagement with locking members 166,168. More particularly, as locking member 86 is moved distally alongelongated body 40, tapered portion 98 of raised surface portion 96 ispositioned in a recess between engaging members 166, 168 and engageswith correspondingly shaped surfaces 186, 200 on engaging members 166,168 until point 100 is positioned against engaging members 166, 168. Aslocking member 86 is moved in this manner, tapered portion 98 applies anadditional spreading force to proximal ends 174, 188, which in turn alsoforces distal ends 176, 190 toward each other. Moreover, once point 100is positioned against engaging members 166, 168, raised surface portion96 prevents movement of proximal ends 174, 188 toward each other suchthat distal ends 176, 190 can not be moved away from each other. Inaddition, engaging members 166, 168 also each include a receptacle 180,194, respectively, which receive tabs 110, 112 of locking member 86 whenpoint 100 is positioned against engaging members 166, 168. Tabs 110, 112cooperate with receptacles 180, 194 in a manner that also preventsseparation of distal ends 176, 190 of engaging members 166, 168.Similarly, when anchor extender 20 is engaged with anchor 30 a, theengagement of tabs 110, 112 with receptacles 180, 194 prevents releaseof anchor 30 a from engaging members 166, 168.

Engaging members 166, 168 also each include a rounded surface 184, 198which extends into channel 204. As elongated locking member 86 is movedproximally relative to engaging members 166, 168, rounded surfaces 184,198 pass over enlarged portion 106 and become seated in notched portion104. In this configuration, enlarged portions 106 and 108 are positionedon opposite sides of rounded surfaces 184, 198 such that the position ofelongated locking member 86 relative to elongated body 40 and engagingmembers 166, 168 is provisionally locked or retained until a forcesufficient to move notched portion 104 away from rounded surfaces 184,198 is applied to locking mechanism 82.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, distal end portion 20 b of anchor extender 20is engaged with anchor 30 a and a platform member 210 is positioned onproximal end portion 24 a of anchor extender 20. More particularly,platform member 210 includes a passage configured to be positioned overand receive post member 72 of elongated body 40. In one form, it iscontemplated that platform member 210 can be releasably coupled withpost member 72 through a friction or press fit. Alternatively, platformmember 210 can be provided with a locking member, such as a set screw orsnap ring, which engages with a portion of post member 72 in order tosecure platform member 210 on post member 72, although otherconfigurations for coupling platform member 210 with post member 72 arecontemplated. Platform member 210 includes a proximal bearing surface212 and an oppositely positioned distal surface 214. Surfaces 212, 214extend between a first end 216 and a second end 218 of platform member210. As illustrated in FIG. 14, platform member 210 extends laterallyfrom anchor extender 20 such that first end 216 is laterally offset fromthe longitudinal axis L of anchor extender 20.

Distal surface 214 generally includes a convexly curved portion 220 anda linear portion 222 that is positioned adjacent to cap member 84 oflocking mechanism 82. In addition, proximal bearing surface 212, whichis configured to engage with a portion of inserter instrument 230, isconcavely curved between first end 216 and second end 218. In theillustrated form, the curvature of proximal bearing surface 212 betweenfirst end 216 and second end 218 is varied. More particularly, thecurvature of proximal bearing surface 212 adjacent first end 216 isgreater than the curvature of proximal bearing surface 212 adjacentsecond end 218, although embodiments where the curvature between firstend 216 and second end 218 is constant are also contemplated. In othernon-illustrated forms, it is contemplated that proximal bearing surface212 can be linear or provided with a non-continuous curvature; i.e., itcan include one or more linear portions in combination with one or morecurved portions. Still, in other forms, it is contemplated that system10 can be provided with a plurality of platform members 210 that eachincludes an alternatively configured proximal bearing surface 212. Inthis arrangement, the orientation of engagement between inserterinstrument 230 and proximal bearing surface 212 is adjustable, and auser can select an appropriately arranged platform member 210 to be usedwith a connecting element 36 having a specific curvature and/or to alterthe insertion path of connecting element 36 as will be discussed ingreater detail below with regard to FIGS. 16-20.

Inserter instrument 230 is shown in a section view in FIG. 15, and in aperspective view relative to anchor extender 20 in FIGS. 16-20. Inserterinstrument 230 includes an elongated housing 232 that extends between aproximal end 234 and a distal end 236. As best seen in FIG. 18 forexample, elongated housing 232 includes a first portion 238 that has agenerally arcuate configuration and is positioned opposite of a secondportion 240 that has a generally rectangular configuration. Similarly,when inserter instrument 230 is engaged with anchor extender 20, firstportion 238 is received in hollow interior 66 of elongated body 40 whilesecond portion 240 is positioned in and extends laterally throughelongated slot 68 such that rotation of inserter instrument 230 relativeto anchor extender 20 is prevented. Inserter instrument 230 alsoincludes an elongated passage 242 within which a linking member 244 ispositioned. Linking member 244 extends between a lever arm 246 and aconnecting element engaging member 258. Lever arm 246 extends between afirst end 248 and a second end 250 and includes a convexly curvedsurface 252. Second end 250 is pivotably coupled with a first end oflinking member 244 by a pivot pin 254 and to elongated housing 232 by apivot pin 256.

Connecting element engaging member 258 includes a receptacle 260 whichreleasably engages and receives an end of connecting element 36. In oneform, it is contemplated that receptacle 260 engages the end ofconnecting element 36 through a friction or press fit, although itshould be appreciated that variations in the engagement betweenconnecting element 36 and receptacle 260 are contemplated. Connectingelement engaging member 258 is coupled with linking member 244 by apivot pin 264 and to elongated housing 232 by a pivot pin 262. In thisarrangement, connecting element engaging member 258 is rotated relativeto elongated housing 232 in response to rotation of lever arm 246relative to elongated housing 232. More particularly, as first end 248of lever arm 246 is moved away from elongated housing 232, linkingmember 244 is moved proximally in passage 242 such that connectingelement engaging member 258 is rotated away from elongated housing 232and extends transversely to elongated housing 232 as illustrated in FIG.15. Similarly, when connecting element 36 is received in receptacle 260and the orientation of connecting element engaging member 258 relativeto elongated housing 232 is changed, the orientation of connectingelement 36 relative to elongated housing 232 also changes. Moreover,while not illustrated in FIG. 15, it should be appreciated that whenfirst end 248 of lever arm 246 is rotated toward elongated housing 232,linking member 244 is moved distally in passage 242 such that connectingelement engaging member 258 is also rotated toward elongated housing 232and may be positioned in an orientation where it extends in generalalignment with elongated housing 232. Accordingly, when connectingelement 36 is received in receptacle 260 and connecting element engagingmember 258 is positioned in this orientation, connecting element 36 willalso extend in general alignment with elongated housing 232.

FIGS. 16-20 generally illustrate various steps of inserting connectingelement 36 with inserter instrument 230 of system 10 relative to anchorextender 20 which is engaged with anchor 30 a. In FIG. 16 for example,connecting element 36 is coupled with connecting element engaging member258 of inserter instrument 230 and extends through platform member 210into a portion of hollow interior 66 of anchor extender 20. In thisarrangement, connecting element 36 generally extends in-line with thelongitudinal axis of anchor extender 20. Moreover, lever arm 246includes an elongated receptacle 247 that receives a portion ofelongated housing 232 such that first end 248 of lever arm 246 ispositioned against elongated housing 232. As indicated above, connectingelement 36 in the illustrated form is generally curved along an arcbetween its opposite ends. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 16,connecting element 36 can be arranged relative to inserter instrument230 such that the concave side of connecting element 36 is orientedtoward anchor extender 20.

With connecting element 36 initially positioned into hollow interior 66as illustrated in FIG. 16, inserter instrument 230 can be moved distallysuch that first portion 238 and second portion 240 of elongated housing232 are received in hollow interior 66 and elongated slot 68,respectively, of elongated body 40 of anchor extender 20. As inserterinstrument 230 is moved distally relative to anchor extender 20 in thismanner, first end 248 of lever arm 246 comes into contact with proximalbearing surface 212 of platform member 210 as illustrated in FIG. 17.FIG. 18 illustrates further distal movement of inserter instrument 230relative to anchor extender 20, and corresponding distal movement ofconnecting element 36 in hollow interior 66. As inserter instrument 230is moved in this manner, first end 248 of lever arm 246 bears againstand engages with proximal bearing surface 212 of platform member 210,and is directed away from elongated housing 232. Similarly, lever arm246 is rotated away from elongated body 232 and connecting elementengaging member 258 and connecting element 36 are correspondinglyrotated away from elongated housing 232. Upon further distal movement ofinserter instrument 230 relative to anchor extender 20, first end 248 oflever arm 246 is moved further away from elongated housing 232 until itis positioned adjacent to first end 216 of platform member 210.Similarly, as first end 248 of lever arm 246 is moved across proximalbearing surface 212 toward this position, connecting element engagingmember 258 and connecting element 36 are correspondingly rotated awayfrom elongated housing 232 such that a leading end 36 a of connectingelement 36 extends through anchor extender 20 and toward another anchor,such as anchor 30 b illustrated in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 20, upon additional distal movement ofinserter instrument 230 relative to anchor extender 20, convex surface252 of lever arm 246 comes to rest against proximal bearing surface 212of platform member 210 until further distal movement of inserterinstrument 230 relative to anchor extender 20 is eliminated. Inaddition, connecting element engaging member 258 is further rotated awayfrom anchor extender 20 such that it and connecting element 36 generallyextend transversely to anchor extender 20. In this arrangement, theorientation of connecting element 36 has been rotated about ninetydegrees relative to its initial orientation illustrated in FIG. 16. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, connecting element 36 is alsogenerally aligned so that it can be reduced into proximal receivingportions 32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b. Once connecting element 36 isarranged in this manner, a reduction instrument, such as instrument 344illustrated in FIGS. 28-30, can be engaged with and inserted throughanchor extender 22 in order to reduce connecting element 36 intoproximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b. Afterconnecting element 36 has been engaged by reduction instrument 344,inserter instrument 230 can be moved proximally relative to anchorextender 20 to release connecting element 36 from receptacle 260 ofconnecting element engaging member 258. Once connecting element 36 isreleased, inserter instrument 230 can be removed from anchor extender 20and reduction of connecting element 36 into proximal receiving portions32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b can be completed.

Following reduction of connecting element 36 in proximal receivingportions 32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b, a locking member, such as aset screw for example, may be introduced through each of anchorextenders 20, 22 and engaged with proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 bof anchors 30 a, 30 b to secure connecting element 36 relative toanchors 30 a, 30 b. In one form, it is contemplated that the lockingmembers could be engaged with proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b atthe same time. However, in another form, a first locking member can beinserted through anchor extender 20 and engaged with proximal receivingportion 32 a while reduction instrument 344 is engaged with anchorextender 22 and engaged against connecting element 36. Reductioninstrument 344 can then be removed from anchor extender 22 followed bythe introduction of a second locking member through anchor extender 22into engagement with proximal receiving portion 32 b of anchor 30 b inorder to lock connecting element 36 in proximal receiving portion 32 b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16-20, inserter instrument 230 isgenerally moved relative to anchor extender 20 along its longitudinalaxis L. However, in other non-illustrated forms it is contemplated thatinserter instrument 230 and/or anchor extender 20 could be configuredsuch that inserter instrument 230 is movable along an axis or pathwaythat extends transversely or obliquely to longitudinal axis L of anchorextender 20. Moreover, in view of the foregoing description of inserterinstrument 230, it should be appreciated that inserter instrument 230inserts connecting element 36 along a partially curved path ofinsertion. More particularly, leading end 36 a of connecting element 36is simultaneously moved proximally and laterally away from anchorextender 20 as connecting element engaging member 258 is rotatedrelative to elongated housing 232. Among other things, this arrangementmay allow leading end 36 a of connecting element 36, and eventuallyconnecting element 36, to extend through and/or below tissue betweenanchors 30 a, 30 b in order to allow positioning of connecting element36 while avoiding cutting and/or removing this tissue. However, in otherforms, it is contemplated that connecting element 36 could also beinserted along a curvilinear or linear insertion path dependent on itsconfiguration and/or the configuration of platform member 210 andinserter instrument 230. Moreover, it should be appreciated that therelationship between proximal bearing surface 212 and lever arm 246 willgenerally control the rate at which connecting element engaging member258 is rotated relative to elongated housing 232 as inserter instrument230 is moved distally relative to anchor extender 20. This relationshipmay also potentially control the amount connecting element engagingmember 258 is rotated relative to elongated housing 232.

For example, when proximal bearing surface 212 is provided with agreater amount of curvature between first end 216 and second end 218,first end 248 of lever arm 246 will be advanced adjacent to first end216 upon relatively less distal movement of inserter instrument 230relative to anchor extender 20, which will in turn provide increasedrotation of connecting element engaging member 258 relative to elongatedhousing 232 upon the relatively same amount of distal movement ofinserter instrument 230. In addition, movement of lever arm 246 alongproximal bearing surface 212 in this arrangement may also increase thetotal amount of rotation of connecting element engaging member 258relative to elongated housing 232. As another example, if proximalbearing surface 212 is provided with a linear configuration or a smalleramount of curvature between first end 216 and second end 218, first end248 of lever arm 246 will be advanced adjacent to first end 216 uponrelatively more distal movement of inserter instrument 230 relative toanchor extender 20, which will in turn provide decreased rotation ofconnecting element engaging member 258 relative to elongated housing 232upon the relatively same amount of distal movement of inserterinstrument 230. In addition, movement of lever arm 246 along proximalbearing surface 212 in this arrangement may also decrease the totalamount of rotation of connecting element engaging member 258 relative toelongated housing 232. It should also be appreciated that theconfiguration of surface 252 of lever arm 246 may be changed in order toalter the rotation properties of connecting element engaging member 258.Amongst other things, it may be desirable to change the relationshipbetween proximal bearing surface 212 and lever arm 246 dependent on theanatomical location where connecting element 36 is being inserted and/orthe curvature of connecting element 36. Thus, when system 10 is providedwith a plurality of platform members 210 that each includes analternatively configured bearing surface 210 as discussed above, a usermay select a platform member 210 that will provide a relationshipbetween platform member 210 and lever arm 246 that is most suited forthe insertion of connecting element 36 with a specific curvature at aspecific anatomical location.

In addition to the foregoing, it should be appreciated that variationsin the previously described arrangement of system 10 can be made. Forexample, an alternative embodiment platform member 268 is illustrated inFIGS. 21-23 and can be used in lieu of platform member 210. Platformmember 268 extends between a first end 270 and a second end 272 thatincludes a passage 274 configured to be positioned over and receive postmember 72 of elongated body 40. Second end 274 also includes a retainingelement 276 that has a flange portion 278 that extends partially intopassage 274. Retaining element 276 is normally biased by a biasingelement (not shown) to the position illustrated in FIG. 21 such thatflange portion 278 engages with one of grooves 74 or 76 on post member72 of elongated body 40 in order to lock platform member 268 on anchorextender 20. However, retaining element 276 may be depressed in order todisengage flange portion 278 from groove 74 or 76 so platform member 268may be released from anchor extender 20. In addition to the foregoing,it should be appreciated that passage 274 is configured to receiveelongated housing 232 of inserter instrument 230 and guide it intoengagement with anchor extender 20.

Similar to platform member 210, platform member 268 includes a proximalbearing surface 280 and an oppositely positioned distal surface 282.Platform member 268 also includes an elongated channel 284 positionedbetween first end 270 and second end 272 and extending between andopening at proximal bearing surface 280 and distal surface 282. Distalsurface 282 generally includes a convex curvature and proximal bearingsurface 280, which is configured to engage with a portion of inserterinstrument 230, is concavely curved between first end 270 and second end272. In the illustrated form, the curvature of proximal bearing surface280 between first end 270 and second end 272 is varied. Moreparticularly, the curvature of proximal bearing surface 280 adjacentfirst end 270 is greater than the curvature of bearing surface 280adjacent second end 272, although embodiments where the curvaturebetween first end 270 and second end 272 is constant are alsocontemplated. In other non-illustrated forms, it is contemplated thatbearing surface 280 can be linear or provided with a non-continuouscurvature; i.e., it can include one or more linear portions incombination with one or more curved portions. Still, in other forms, itis contemplated that system 10 can be provided with a plurality ofplatform members 268 that each includes an alternatively configuredproximal bearing surface 280. In this arrangement, the orientation ofengagement between inserter instrument 230 and proximal bearing surface280 is adjustable, and a user can select an appropriately arrangedplatform member 268 to be used with a connecting element 36 having aspecific curvature and/or to alter the insertion path of connectingelement 36 as discussed in greater detail above.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 24-26, further details regarding analternative embodiment inserter instrument 286 that can be used insystem 10 in lieu of inserter instrument 230 are provided. Inserterinstrument 286 includes an elongated housing 288 that extends between aproximal end 290 and a distal end 292. Similar to elongated housing 232,elongated housing 288 also includes a first portion 294 that has agenerally arcuate configuration and is positioned opposite of a secondportion 296 that has a generally rectangular configuration. Similarly,when inserter instrument 286 is engaged with anchor extender 20, firstportion 294 is received in hollow interior 66 of elongated body 40 whilesecond portion 296 is positioned in and extends laterally throughelongated slot 68 such that rotation of inserter instrument 286 relativeto anchor extender 20 is prevented. Inserter instrument 286 alsoincludes an elongated passage 298 within which a linking member 300 ispositioned. Linking member 300 is defined by a pair of oppositelypositioned arms 302, 304 that extend between a geared cam member 306 anda connecting element engaging member 308. Cam member 306 is pivotablycoupled to elongated housing 288 by a pivot pin 310 and to arms 302, 304by a pivot pin 312.

Inserter instrument 286 also includes a lever arm 314 that extendsbetween a first end 316 and a geared second end 318, and includes aconvexly curved surface 320. Second end 318 is pivotably coupled withelongated housing 288 by a pivot pin 322. In this configuration, gearedsecond end 318 of lever arm 314 engages with geared cam member 306 suchthat geared cam member 306 is rotated relative to elongated housing 288as lever arm 314 is moved relative to elongated body 288.

As best seen in the enlarged section view of FIG. 25 a, connectingelement engaging member 308 includes a receptacle 330 which releasablyengages and receives end 36 b of connecting element 36. Moreparticularly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, ends 36 a and 36 b ofconnecting element 36 are generally conically shaped and receptacle 330is provided with an internal shape that corresponds to the externalconical shape of ends 36 a, 36 b. In addition, connecting elementengaging member 308 also includes a passage 332 that generally extendstransversely to receptacle 330 and includes a locking member 334positioned therein. Locking member 334 includes a proximal tool engagingreceptacle 336 which may be accessed with an appropriately configureddriving tool, such as a screw driver (not shown), that is insertedthrough proximal end 290 of elongated housing 288 and advanced distallybetween arms 302, 304. Alternatively, it is also contemplated thatconnecting element engaging member 308 could be rotated away fromelongated housing 288 such that locking member 334 in passage 332 couldbe laterally accessed by the driving tool instead of from between arms302, 204. After connecting element 36 has been positioned in receptacle360, locking member 334 can be rotated to advance a threaded portion 338into engagement with an internally threaded passage 36 c positioned onend 36 b of connecting element 36 and extending generally transverselyto the long axis of the same. Similarly, once connecting element 36 hasbeen inserted to an appropriate location relative to anchors 30 a, 30 bwith inserter instrument 286, the driving tool can been advanceddistally between arms 302, 304 into engagement with receptacle 336 inorder to disengage locking member 334 from connecting element 36 soinserter instrument 286 can be moved proximally away from connectingelement 36.

Connecting element engaging member 308 is coupled with arms 302, 304 bya pivot pin 340 and to elongated housing 288 by a pivot pin 342. In thisarrangement, connecting element engaging member 308 is rotated relativeto elongated housing 288 in response to rotation of cam member 306 aslever arm 314 is moved relative to elongated housing 288. Moreparticularly, as first end 316 of lever arm 314 is moved away fromelongated housing 288, arms 302, 304 are moved proximally in passage 298such that connecting element engaging member 308 is rotated away fromelongated housing 288 and extends transversely to elongated housing 288as illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. Similarly, when connecting element 36 isreceived in receptacle 330 and the orientation of connecting elementengaging member 308 is changed relative to elongated housing 288, theorientation of connecting element 36 relative to elongated housing 288also changes. Moreover, while not illustrated in FIGS. 24-26, it shouldbe appreciated that when first end 316 of lever arm 314 is rotatedtoward elongated housing 288, arms 302, 304 will be moved distally inpassage 298 such that connecting element engaging member 308 is alsorotated toward elongated housing 288 and may be positioned in anorientation where it extends in general alignment with elongated housing288. Accordingly, when connecting element 36 is received in receptacle330 and connecting element engaging member 308 is positioned in thisorientation, connecting element 36 will also extend in general alignmentwith elongated housing 288.

Lever arm 314 also includes an elongated slot 324 that includes aplurality of enlarged portions 326. A roller member or pin 328 ispositionable along elongated slot 324 to any one of enlarged portions326 in order to change the relationship between bearing surface 280 andlever arm 314 when inserter instrument 286 is used in combination withplatform member 268. More particularly, as roller member 328 ispositioned near the end of elongated slot 324 that is oriented towardgeared second end 318, first end 316 of lever arm 314 will extend intoelongated channel 284 of platform member 268 until roller member 328comes into contact with bearing surface 280. Once roller member 328contacts bearing surface 280, lever arm 314 will begin to pivot relativeto platform member 268 such that first end 316 of lever arm 314 is movedaway from elongated channel 284. Similarly, it should be appreciatedthat as roller member 328 is positioned closer to geared second end 318of lever arm 314, it will require relatively increased distal movementof inserter instrument 286 relative to anchor extender 20 before leverarm 314 is rotated away from elongated housing 288. Thus, thisconfiguration of lever arm 314 allows a user to adjust the relationshipbetween lever arm 314 and platform member 268 in order to provide aconfiguration that is most suited for the insertion of connectingelement 36 with a specific curvature at a specific anatomical locationas discussed in greater detail above.

While not previously described, it should be appreciated that inserterinstrument 286 can cooperate with anchor extender 20 to insertconnecting element 36 adjacent to proximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 bof anchors 30 a, 30 b in a manner similar to that described above inconnection with inserter instrument 230. Moreover, once connectingelement 36 has been positioned at a desired location relative to anchors30 a, 30 b, it can be disengaged from inserter instrument 286 andinserter instrument 286 can be removed from anchor extender 20.

As indicated above, a reduction instrument 344 may be engaged withanchor extender 22 and used to force connecting element 36 towardproximal receiving portions 32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b. However,it should also be appreciated that reduction instrument 344 may also becoupled with anchor extender 20 when platform member 210 or 268 andinserter instrument 230 or 286 are not engaged therewith. Accordingly,since various features of anchor extender 20 have already been explainedin detail above, the use of reduction instrument 344 will be describedin connection with anchor extender 20, although it should be appreciatedthat reduction instrument 344 can be engaged and used with anchorextender 22 in a similar manner. Reduction instrument 344 includes anelongated shaft portion 346 that extends distally from a housing member356. Elongated shaft portion 346 extends between a threaded proximalportion 348 and a distal end portion 350 configured to engage withconnecting element 36. Elongated shaft portion 346 also includes araised portion 352 which is positioned in and extends along elongatedslot 68 of elongated body 40 when reduction instrument 344 is engagedwith anchor extender 20 such that elongated shaft portion 346 isprevented from rotating relative to anchor extender 20.

As illustrated in the section view of FIG. 30, housing member 356includes a passage 358 in which threaded proximal portion 348 ofelongated shaft portion 346 is positioned. Housing member 356 alsoincludes a pair of oppositely positioned retaining elements 360, 362that are coupled with flange portions 364, 366, respectively that extendpartially into passage 358. Retaining elements 364, 366 are normallybiased by biasing elements 368, 370, respectively, to the positionillustrated in FIGS. 28-30 such that flange portions 364, 366 engagewith grooves 74, 76 on post member 72 of elongated body 40 in order tolock reduction instrument 344 on anchor extender 20. However, retainingelements 368, 370 may be depressed in order to disengage flange portions364, 366 from grooves 74, 76 so reduction instrument 344 may be removedfrom anchor extender 20.

Reduction instrument 344 also includes a driver member 370 positioned inpassage 358 of housing member 356. Driver member 370 includes a proximalportion 380 that has a plurality of flat surfaces that may, amongstother functions, facilitate engagement of proximal portion 380 by anappropriately configured instrument used to rotate driver member 370.Driver member 370 also includes an internally threaded passage 382which, as illustrated in FIG. 30, is engaged with a portion of threadedproximal portion 348. Driver member 370 is further provided with anannular ridge 374 which is positioned in an annular groove 372 ofhousing member 356. A plurality of ball bearings 376, 378 are positionedon opposite sides of annular ridge 374 and a spacer member 388 ispositioned adjacent to ball bearings 378. A locking member 384 in theform of a snap ring for example, is positioned between spacer member 388and an annular flange 386 on housing member 356 in order to retaindriver member 370 in passage 358. In this configuration, driver member370 is axially retained in passage 358 while also being rotatablerelative to housing member 356.

Housing member 356 also includes a projection 390 that engages with anelongated groove 354 interrupting the threading on proximal portion 348of elongated shaft portion 346 such that elongated shaft portion 346 isprevented from rotating relative to housing member 356. Similarly, itshould be appreciated that elongated shaft portion 346 is axiallydisplaced relative to housing member 356 as driver member 370 is rotatedrelative to housing member 356. Accordingly, driver member 370 can berotated in a first direction in order to distally displace elongatedshaft portion 346 relative to housing member 356 into engagement withconnecting element 36 to position connecting element 36 in proximalreceiving portions 32 a, 32 b of anchors 30 a, 30 b. Once connectingelement 36 has been appropriately positioned, driver member 370 can berotated in an opposite, second direction in order to proximally displaceelongated shaft portion 346 relative to housing member 356 in order todisengage elongated shaft portion 346 from connecting element 36.Additionally or alternatively, it should be appreciated that housingmember 356 can be disengaged from post member 72 and that reductioninstrument 344 can be removed from anchor extender 20 or 22 onceconnecting element 36 has been positioned at a desired location withoutproximally displacing elongated shaft portion 346.

In one embodiment, systems for positioning a connecting element adjacentthe spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include oneor more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to abony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respectiveanchor locations within the patient even when the anchor is obstructedby skin and/or tissue of the patient. Similarly, the anchor extendersare sized such that a portion thereof extends above the skin of apatient when they are engaged to the bone anchors. In one form, it iscontemplated that separate incisions may be made for using andpositioning each anchor and anchor extender. An inserter instrument isengageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movable along alongitudinal axis of the anchor extender. In response to movement of theinserter instrument along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchors,a leading end of the connecting element is rotated away from thelongitudinal axis until the connecting element is positioned at alocation adjacent the number of bone anchors. In one aspect of thisarrangement, the inserter instrument engages with the anchor extendersuch that the connecting element is introduced to the location adjacentthe number of bone anchors through the same incision through tissue andmuscle in which the respective anchor extender is positioned. Still, itshould be appreciated that alternative forms, aspects, configurations,arrangements and methods are contemplated with respect to the subjectmatter disclosed and described herein.

Alternative configurations of the systems described herein are alsocontemplated. For example, in one or more forms the systems describedherein can be configured to insert a connecting element that extendsacross and is engaged to anchors positioned at three or more vertebrallevels or to three or more bony portions or segments. In addition, useof the systems described herein for stabilization of bones, bonystructures or other anatomical features besides vertebral stabilizationare contemplated. Furthermore, the systems and instrumentation describedherein may also be used in surgical procedures involving animals, or indemonstrations for training, education, marketing, sales and/oradvertising purposes. In addition, the systems and instrumentationdescribed herein may be also used on or in connection with a non-livingsubject such as a cadaver, training aid or model, or in connection withtesting of surgical systems, surgical procedures, orthopedic devicesand/or apparatus.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein ismeant to further enhance understanding of the present application and isnot intended to make the present application in any way dependent uponsuch theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding. It should beunderstood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably orpreferred in the description above indicates that the feature sodescribed may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary andembodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope ofthe application, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. Inreading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “atleast one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limitthe claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary inthe claim. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “aportion” is used the item may include a portion and/or the entire itemunless specifically stated to the contrary.

While the application has been illustrated and described in detail inthe drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the selected embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit ofthe application as defined herein or by any of the following claims aredesired to be protected.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An anchor extender, comprising: an elongated bodyextending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; afirst pair of engaging members pivotably coupled with said elongatedbody adjacent said distal end portion, said first pair of engagingmembers being movable between a first configuration for receiving andreleasing a first portion of a bone anchor and a second configurationfor engaging said first portion of said bone anchor; a second pair ofengaging members pivotably coupled with said elongated body adjacentsaid distal end portion and opposite of said first pair of engagingmembers, said second pair of engaging members being movable between afirst configuration for receiving and releasing a second portion of saidbone anchor and a second configuration for engaging said second portionof said bone anchor; and a locking mechanism axially displaceablerelative to said elongated body, wherein said locking mechanism isconfigured to lock said first and second pairs of engaging members insaid second configuration.
 17. The anchor extender of claim 16, whereinsaid elongated body includes a first leg member positioned opposite of asecond leg member, and said first pair of engaging members are pivotablycoupled to said first leg member and said second pair of engagingmembers are pivotably coupled to said second leg member.
 18. The anchorextender of claim 16, wherein said elongated body includes a hollowinterior and a first elongated slot communicating with said hollowinterior, said first elongated slot extending through a first side ofsaid elongated body from said proximal end portion to said distal endportion.
 19. The anchor extender of claim 18, wherein said elongatedbody further includes a second elongated slot extending through a secondside of said elongated body opposite of said first elongated slot, saidsecond elongated slot communicating with said hollow interior andextending proximally from said distal end portion and terminatingdistally of said proximal end portion.
 20. The anchor extender of claim16, further comprising a first biasing element positioned between saidfirst pair of engaging members and a second biasing element positionedbetween said second pair of engaging members, said first and secondbiasing elements biasing said first and second pairs of engaging memberstoward said second configuration.
 21. The anchor extender of claim 16,wherein said locking mechanism includes a pair of elongated lockingmembers each extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and acap member engaged with said proximal ends of said elongated lockingmembers and positioned about said proximal end portion of said elongatedbody.
 22. The anchor extender of claim 21, wherein each of said distalends of said pair of elongated locking members includes a first tabspaced apart from a second tab, said first and second tabs beingreceivable in receptacles formed in respective ones of said first andsecond pairs of engaging members as said locking mechanism is distallydisplaced relative to said elongated body in order to lock said firstand second pairs of engaging members in said second configuration. 23.The anchor extender of claim 21, wherein each one of said elongatedlocking members includes a raised surface configured to engage with arecess positioned between respective ones of said first and second pairsof engaging members as said locking mechanism is distally displacedrelative to said elongated body in order to force said first and secondpairs of engaging members toward said second configuration.
 24. Theanchor extender of claim 21, further comprising a retaining memberreleasably engageable with said cap member of said locking mechanism inorder to retain said locking mechanism in a position relative to saidelongated body where said first and second pairs of engaging members arelocked in said second configuration by said elongated locking members.